'Thale Noi Wetland Pastoral Buffalo Agro-Ecosystem' to be designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System

AFFILIATION
Thale Noi Wetland Foundation - TWF

DESCRIPTION 
The ‘Thale Noi Wetland Buffalo Pastoral Agro-Eco-System’ is a heritage farming system composed of diversified, interrelated local livelihood strategies, with buffalo pastoralism as the central unifying cultural, socioeconomic and ecological element of the landscape. The agricultural heritage system of buffalo pastoralism of ‘Thale Noi’ is of global importance due to its unique environmental wisdom, skilful use and conservation of ecosystem functions, and its harmony with nature. The proposed Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) site is in the greater Songkhla Lake Basin and Non-hunting Area – one of Thailand’s most important conservation zones. This project directly contributes to food security, supporting sustainable local agricultural production and reducing rural poverty. 

20230627_Thale Noi Wetland Pastoral Buffalo Agro-Ecosystem_Interactions

Beneficiaries

  • About 40 000 local people in 6 communities or sub-districts - located in 4 districts, population grouped in 3 provinces - are involved at every stage of the project, using Participatory Action Research (PAR).

Outputs

  • “Thale Noi Wetland Buffalo Pastoral Agro-Eco-System” has been registered as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in November 2022, with particular regard to food security, support for sustainable local agricultural production, and reduction of rural poverty. 

Outcomes

  • An action plan for dynamic conservation of the proposed GIAHS site to develop and promote the value and role of heritage for sustainable livelihoods and environment in the Thale Noi wetland ecosystems.